Zilver PTX Drug-Eluting Stent Technology

Zilver(R) PTX(R) from Cook Medical has received unanimous recommendation from an FDA advisory committee. The Zilver PTX is a self-expanding, drug-eluting stent specifically designed to treat peripheral vascular disease affecting the superficial femoral artery (SFA), an often difficult-to-treat vessel. Zilver PTX is a combination therapy device that both restores patency and provides targeted delivery of paclitaxel, an antiproliferative drug proven to reduce arterial restenosis. This drug coats the stent without the use of a polymer, thereby eliminating the risk associated with polymers. Zilver PTX is made of nitinol, a "shape memory" metal alloy, and is engineered to withstand the dynamic forces of the SFA with optimized axial, torsional and bending flexibility.